Lake Travis - Westlake Edition | April 2024

Business

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER

When Austin resident Terry Ilse retired from the advertising industry, he quickly rediscovered his passion for pottery. Having taught junior high art classes in the past, Ilse decided to open his personal studio to the public in 2016 and teach lessons under the name West Austin Pottery. The gist Tucked away among the trees of Lake Hills, the ceramics studio with a view of the Texas Hill Country oers intimate, small group pot- tery-making classes for all ages and skill levels. The one-man operation is led entirely by Ilse, who teaches hand-building techniques, in which artist use their hands to form shapes with the clay, or wheel throwing techniques, which allow artists to shape the clay on a potters wheel. Lessons for individuals and couples start at $100 per hour and groups of three to six people are $150 per hour, each with clay, glazes and tools to use included. “It’s not your typical pottery class where you have 10 to 20 people, where you may have very limited time with the instructor. ... With me, you get 100% of my time when you’re at the wheel,” Ilse said. Each class allows students to create two dierent pieces with their own choice of shape, size, texture and color. After Ilse trims and glazes them, students can take home their creations. Ilse said he welcomes both those looking to seriously learn the craft and those who are just looking to check the experience o their bucket list. Quote of note “My lessons have been more fullling than I ever thought they would be. ... After the lesson, they say, ‘Thank you for making our anniversary or birthday so special.’ I feel like gosh, I have some- thing here that I can teach and really enrich their West Austin Pottery teaches ceramics with a personal spin

Students can build pottery in a variety of shapes and sizes with the guidance of Ilse.

COURTESY WEST AUSTIN POTTERY

Owner Terry Ilse studied ceramics in college and later went on to teach art classes to junior high students for eight years.

The studio was designed and built by Ilse.

KAMERYN GRIESSERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

creating his own. Several of the ceramic items in his studio are for sale, and customers can visit his personal collection upon request. “I’m getting to do something I’ve wanted to do my entire life ... I can’t imagine using my time in retirement any other way,” Ilse said. In the near future, Ilse hopes to get his work and his students’ work into local galleries and ceramic competitions.

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lives,” Ilse said. Another detail

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In his free time, Ilse said he regularly teaches lessons at local senior living communities and Doug’s House, an Austin-based recuperative care facility for people with HIV. When he is not teaching pottery, Ilse enjoys

9708 Timber Ridge Pass, Austin www.westaustinpottery.com

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